Anthony Willoughby

Anthony Willoughby was a body servant of Arthur, Prince of Wales. He was sneaked into the wedding party of Arthur and Catherine of Aragon by his father, Lord Broke, the Lord Steward of the Household and Catherine's escort on her journey from the West Country. The morning after, Willoughby claimed, Arthur had boasted of his exploits. "Willoughby", he had ordered, "bring me a cup of ale for I have been this night in the midst of Spain". There were, Willoughby asserted, several witnesses to the remark. Later, the Prince had said openly, "Masters, it is good pastime to have a wife". The words stuck in men's memories, as well they might, and at least one other witness confirmed the story during the divorce proceedings of King Henry VIII of England and Catherine in 1529.